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NFF Insists World Cup Dream Still Alive, Awaits FIFA Verdict on DR Congo Dispute

Published by Samuel Ayomide on March 5th, 2026.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has refuted reports suggesting that Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been extinguished, maintaining that no official communication has been received from FIFA regarding the eligibility dispute involving DR Congo.

Speaking on Wednesday, NFF Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, stated that the federation remains in anticipation of a formal response from world football’s governing body. He stressed that any official decision would first be communicated directly to the federations concerned before being made public.

The clarification follows widespread media reports claiming that FIFA had confirmed DR Congo as Africa’s representative in the inter-confederation play-offs, effectively ruling Nigeria out of contention. Those reports referenced a FIFA publication listing Bolivia, DR Congo, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname as qualified teams.

However, the statement in question was issued in November 2025, prior to Nigeria lodging its protest, and did not address the pending complaint submitted by the NFF.

The controversy dates back to November 2025, when DR Congo edged Nigeria on penalties after a 1–1 draw in the CAF play-off final to secure Africa’s sole slot in the inter-confederation tournament. The NFF subsequently filed a protest in December, alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe. The federation argued that the players’ dual nationality status contravened Congolese law, which reportedly prohibits dual citizenship, as well as FIFA eligibility regulations.

NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, had previously stated that the protest was based on concerns that FIFA may have been misled during the clearance process.

On the other hand, the Congolese Football Federation dismissed the complaint, characterising it as an attempt to overturn the result off the pitch.

While FIFA has acknowledged receipt of the protest and confirmed it is under review, no timeline has been given for a final decision. The delay has heightened anxiety among stakeholders, especially with the inter-confederation play-offs scheduled to take place from March 26 to 31 in Guadalajara and Monterrey, Mexico. DR Congo are currently slated to face either Jamaica or New Caledonia in the tournament.

For Nigeria, the implications are significant. The Super Eagles are already grappling with the possibility of missing a second straight World Cup, having failed to qualify for the 2022 edition in Qatar. Despite boasting a squad that includes stars such as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi, participation in the 2026 tournament remains uncertain pending FIFA’s ruling.

For now, the NFF maintains that the protest remains active and that no definitive verdict has been communicated. Until FIFA issues an official decision, Nigeria’s World Cup aspirations, the federation insists, are still alive.